Read John 8:31-32
For believers to know the truth that shall set them free they should continue in the true and pure Word of YHWH.
John 17:17-20
2 Corinthians 13:8
Currently, the challenge is identification of the true teachings of the Master Yehoshua among the thousands of false and deceiving teachings many of which seem to be the truth. Multitudes of people have believed these false teachings.
The objective here is to know how to identify true teachings from the false ones and to be able to correctly interpret the holy Word of YHWH in the Spirit of original inspiration to various men of YHWH.
The aim is not to:
(a) Please man
(b) Follow the majority that are deceived.
The aim is to know the truth as originally inspired no matter what the cost and to obey. All should believe and follow Yehoshua.
The key here is continuing in the true Word of YHWH.
The following are key areas in knowing the truth, obeying it and spreading it:
1. Scripture study
2. Correct Interpretation
3. Obedience
4. Counsel of believers
5. Go and Teach
1. SCRIPTURE STUDY
This should not only be done in a group alone but also personally. Each one should personally take keen interest in knowing the truth that sets free from sin.
YHWH wants everyone to be able to understand the Scripture just like He wants all to be saved. It is YHWH’s will that we all study the scriptures for ourselves. While we do need teachers (Acts 8:30-31, Ephesians 4:11-12), we are also responsible for searching the scriptures and being sure of YHWH’s will for lives (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15, Luke 24:32, Acts 17:2, 2 Timothy 3:16).
The Scripture is the written Word of YHWH. When the pure and unadulterated Scripture speaks, YHWH speaks. YHWH speaks through His Word directly to you and all.
Again, when we study the Word we should believe that YHWH desires that all men should come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. I Timothy 2:3-4 & 2 Timothy 1:1-2
We should be careful because those that corrupt the Word of YHWH are more than those that do not corrupt it.
2 Corinthians 2:17
All and each one is required to obey the following scripture:
2 Timothy 2:15
No one shall have an excuse of being taught wrongly by anyone or by their teacher.
Matthew 22:29
2 Timothy 3:15
Read Mark 12:24 and Acts 18:24.
Acts 17:11-12 (vital)
I Peter 2:2
Why Study the Scripture?
(a) So that you can obey YHWH and grow in His service.
Read Joshua 1:8, I Peter 2:2, Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 11:27-28, Romans 10:17, Matthew 4:4.
(b) So that you can avoid error and false teachings.
Read Hosea 4:6, I John 4:1-6, Galatians 1:8-9, 2 Timothy 3:7, I Timothy 4:1-3, 16.
There shall be false teachers and prophets. These false teachers and prophets shall make merchandise of many who do not know the truth because they have not studied the scriptures properly.
2 Peter 2:1-3
(c) To express love for YHWH and His Word.
Read Psalms 1:2; 119:47-48, 97-99, Psalms 19:7-11, I John 5:3
(d) To teach others the truth.
2 Timothy 2:2
Read Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Timothy 4:2-4, I Timothy 6:3-4
Guide for Scripture Study
(a) Pray before you read.
Read Psalm 92:1; 100:4; 119:8, Luke 24:45, Ephesians 1:17; 1:18
(b) Read with an open mind and a teachable spirit
You should study with a heart towards YHWH.
Read Romans 1:20-22, Hebrews 11:6, Luke 12:32, Proverbs 18:13
(c) Know that the Scripture interprets itself
Read 2 Peter 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20, Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15, I Timothy 5:19, Hebrews 10:28, Isaiah 28:10.
(d) Study with love for the truth.
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, 2 Timothy 4:2-4, John 3:19-21, Luke 8:15, Proverbs 23:23; 15:10.
Read John 16:13-14 (vital)
I Thessalonians 4:9-10
The spirit of YHWH that lives in each believer is our personal and private teacher. YHWH has given us pastors and teachers for our edification but they are not a substitute for the Set-Apart Spirit but are given in addition. The humblest believer in Yehoshua may be taught of YHWH through His Word, even when human teachers are lacking. The Set-Apart Spirit is a substitute for Yehoshua and never any pastor or teacher a substitute for the Set-Apart Spirit or Yehoshua.
Read Isaiah 54:13 and John 6:45, 63.
The scriptures were inspired by the Spirit of YHWH that shall enlighten and inspire our minds to understand them.
The key steps or areas of Scripture study are:
(a) OBSERVATION: What does the scripture say?
Observation is discovering what the passage is saying.
What do I see in the passage?
What does the passage say?
(b) INTERPRETATION: what does it mean by what it says?
It is a process of discovering what the passage means.
What does the passage mean?
Interpretation flows out of observation.
(c) CORRELATION: How does this meaning fit with the rest of the Scripture?
There are no contradictions in the originally inspired scriptures. Question any interpretation that brings contradictions. The whole Scripture is in harmony. Both the new and old testaments should not contradict. One does not cancel out of existence the other.
(d) APPLICATION: How does this apply to my life today?
Application demands a response to the truth that is expounded from the Word.
How does the meaning of the passage apply to me?
How do I respond?
How can I share this truth with someone else today?
It is through application of the Word that YHWH changes our lives. YHWH enlightens us from the Word, we apply what we learnt through our wills, and the Set-Apart Spirit empowers us to carry out these choices. The goal of all application is to glorify YHWH by becoming more like Yehoshua.
2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of YHWH, and is profitable for”:
• Doctrine: What do I learn?
• Reproof: Where do I fall short? Why do I fall short?
• Correction: What will I do about it?
• Instruction in righteousness: How can I make this principle a consistent part of my life? How do I share with someone?
Application also involves examining ourselves to see if we are in the faith. Read 2 Corinthians 13:5, I Thessalonians 5:21-22.
2. CORRECT INTERPRETATION
Most people make the Scripture say what they want to hear. We must all align ourselves with the Scripture and never the Scripture with ourselves. The Scripture should be interpreted correctly to know the true YHWH and obey Him.
John 17:3
Without correct interpretation there can be no correct and proper application or obedience.
Wrong interpretation causes:
(a) Not knowing the true YHWH.
(b) Disobedience. Psalm 119:105, 2 Peter 1:3-4
(c) Deception
(d) Bondage. Only the truth sets free.
(e) Misunderstanding of scriptures and also contradictions in scriptures. Psalm 119:130; 19:7, Acts 8:30, 2 Peter 3:15-16
Guidance to Interpretation
(a) Pray for correct interpretation of scriptures in line with their inspiration. John 16:12-15, I Corinthians 2:9-3:3, I John 2:20, 27
(b) Let the scriptures interpret themselves. Do not interpret further what the scriptures have interpreted already.
(c) There are no contradictions in the originally inspires scriptures.
(d) The Scripture was not originally written in English. Therefore, also go to the sources. This is to avoid interpreting a mistranslated scripture.
(e) Scriptures determine doctrine and not the other way round. 2 Timothy 3:17
(f) Check the gifted servants’ teachings but do not assume that they are always right
(g) Assume nothing, be ready to learn. Only YHWH knows everything.
(h) All inspired scriptures are profitable. This is where many are swayed astray to say some inspired scriptures were abolished. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Interpretation should not be taken lightly as this is where the devil deceives most people mostly, to prevent the truth shining to them. We should earnestly pray for correct interpretation and seek YHWH for true guidance.
In addition to the above guide the following are interpretation rules:
(a) Stick to extent or level of information and simplicity in scriptures. Read Deuteronomy 29:29, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Romans 12:8.
(b) No scripture is of private or foreign interpretation as compared to other scriptures. All scriptures are in harmony. Test one interpretation with all scriptures and subject it to questions. Read 2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 12:6; 18:30
(c) All scriptures are alive and none was abolished by Yehoshua. Read Matthew 5:17-19 (2 Thess 1:8)
(d) Interpret only what is revealed or mentioned in scriptures. Deuteronomy 29:29
(e) You should be corrected by scriptures and not the other way round. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17
(f) Fear YHWH and not man or any man made institution/ organisation. Read Acts 5:29
(g) Have strong desire to know the truth.
(h) Question any interpretation that brings contradictions among scriptures. Check the interpretation again or translation.
(i) No man knows everything. Read I Corinthians 13:9
(j) Be ready to be corrected by scriptures however painful.
(k) Test and try all interpretation to see if it fits well with all scriptures. Read 2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 12:6; 18:30
We should test all spirits and all doctrines in the light of all scriptures. We should also test all practices, beliefs, actions and way of worship in the light of all scriptures and not in the light of one scripture. Interpretation is one of the keys to knowing the truth that sets free from sin, false teachings and false beliefs.
3. OBEDIENCE
After interpreting the scriptures correctly we must apply them into our lives. The scriptures themselves teach us about obedience to YHWH through His Word. Obedience is application of scriptures. No matter how much we know what matters at the end of the day is application of what we know. Obedience to YHWH is a sign of Love. Obedience to YHWH is all. It expresses true faith, love, trust, holiness, righteousness, etc. the ultimate goal should be to obey YHWH. Obedience to YHWH is life.
Read Romans 6:16.
Obedience is:
(a) Repentance towards YHWH and faith towards the Master Yehoshua. Read Acts 20:21; 26:20, 2 Corinthians 7:10
(b) Application of all scriptures. Read James 2:10-12, Deuteronomy 28:1-14, Deuteronomy 11:27-28; 13:4
With true faith one is ready to obey all scriptures and commandments of YHWH and is also ready to obey any truth inspired by YHWH.
What obedience is not:
(a) Application of some scriptures. Read James 2:10-12
(b) Choosing what to obey. Read Matthew 23:23-24
(c) Application of mistranslated scriptures
(d) Application of misinterpreted scriptures
(e) Application of additions to the scriptures
(f) Disobeying YHWH in order to obey man. Read Acts 5:32
Read Ephesians 2:2; 5:6, Colossians 3:6, I Samuel 15:15-24, I Samuel 12:14-15, Job 36:11-12, Jeremiah 26:13
We should desire to know the truth and obey it.
Romans 2:8-10
Galatians 3:1
Galatians 5:7
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
4. COUNSEL OF BELIEVERS
Counsel means advice, guidance, direction and warning. Counsel of believers means guidance, warning and advice of believers. Counsel of believers safeguards from deception and going in the wrong direction.
Believers are people that believe in the Master Yehoshua and His Name, and not otherwise. Yehoshua is the way and the truth.
Acts 16:31
Read John 1:12; 6:29; 9:35-38; 14:1, I Timothy 4:12 and Acts 13:39; 19:4; 5:14
Ungodly counsel in all things is vital if the Church or believers are to walk a victorious and undefiled path. There must be counsel in manifestations, marriage, doctrines, administration, Scripture study, interpretation of scriptures, etc. counsel from the body of Yehoshua is to be trusted but tested in the light of the Holy Scriptures. Counsel of believers in the light of all scriptures prevents errors and heresies.
Today people look for all counsel only from one man i.e. their pastor. This kind of counsel is unsafe as there is high likelihood of error and deception since no one knows everything.
Read I Kings 22:5-27 (II Chronicles 18:4-34)
Job 38:1-2
Job 42:3
Psalms 1:1
Psalm 73:24
Proverbs 8:12-14
Proverbs 15:22 (vital)
Isaiah 28:29
Read also Proverbs 27:9, Jeremiah 23:22, Psalms 16:7 and Revelation 3:18
We need all scriptures counsel. This is also where the devil deceives and misleads many because of not adhering to safe guidance from the holy and inspired scriptures.
When there was a difficult matter, confusing matter, difficult doctrine, false doctrine and strange practices the believers would come together to consider the matter and a safe decision from their counsel in the light of scriptures would be arrived at and agreed upon and communicated to others. This kind of counsel safeguards from error and deception. Counsel from one man in such circumstances will only lead to error and deception since no one man knows everything. You got to believe that no one man however gifted knows everything.
I Corinthians 13:9
Read the following scriptures about the counsel of believer s in the book of Acts.
Read Acts 15:1-32; 21:17-32.
Nevertheless, all counsel has to be counterchecked in the light of scriptures. All counsel has to be in line with the scriptures and the will of YHWH. Counsel from the ungodly or people who are deceived leads into error. Any counsel that contradicts scriptures has to be rejected regardless of who is giving it and how many are giving it for all scriptures cannot be changed. Scriptures were inspired by YHWH and are infallible.
Psalms 119:128 (vital)
Titus 1:2
The Scripture was inspired by YHWH and therefore is from YHWH in its pure state without mistranslation. Mistranslations were inspired by the enemy to confuse and mislead us. Original scriptures in their originally written language have to be referred to when we find contradictions in scriptures.
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17, I Thessalonians 2:13, I Corinthians 14:37, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Ephesians 3:3-5, Luke 10:16 and I Corinthians 2:10-13.
Any believer that rejects counsel of the Church or believers in Yehoshua should be regarded as a heathen and a publican according to Matthew 18:17.
Acts 20:27
5. GO AND TEACH
I Timothy 4:16
Philippians 4:9
Learn Do Teach
Learn: study, be taught, be trained, gain knowledge of, find out, hear, etc.
DO: Perform, act, execute, carry out, etc. It also means to obey the truth that you have learnt.
Teach: Educate, instruct, edify, coach, train, tutor, lecture.
We must apply the truth that we learn and share that good news with others. The truth must shine through us that others may learn or read the epistles of our lifestyles and come to Yehoshua. We must not only share or teach the good news but Do, and we must not only Do but share with others if we love our neighbours as ourselves. Today believers concentrate on learning without application and sharing. The only way YHWH can bless us is to fruitfulness is to apply and share the truth that we have learnt.
Matthew 5:14-16
Ezekiel 33:6-9
Acts 18:5-6; 20:26
2 Timothy 2:2
We should apply scriptures and teach others also.
Matthew 5:19
Matthew 28:19
Yehoshua expects us to do or apply the scriptures in our personal lives as we go to teach every creature. Share the truth to the world including those that are deceived. Let the light shine to all. When the Spirit of truth teaches us the truth we are required to obey that truth and share it with others.
John 14:26
I John 2:27
Yehoshua is our example. He received what to teach from His Father. He obeyed it and taught it.
Acts 1:1
Read also John 5:19-30; 8:28-29, 38, 41.
I Corinthians 4:17
I Timothy 6:3-4
2 Timothy 2:24-25
DO: Matthew 5:44; 6:1-7; 7:12; 12:12, 50; 15:9; 19:16-20, Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31; 22:10
2 Corinthians 13:8
Revelation 22:14
John 14:21
Matthew 7:21
We should do the will of YHWH and also teach others to do the will of YHWH for them to have eternal life. This is the goal of doing and also teaching others.
Example of a Scripture Study
This is given by someone but it is not the only way.
1. Select a passage (3 -12 verses dealing with same topic)
Why do you want to study the passage?
2. Observe the passage by asking questions
• Who is writing or speaking and to whom?
• What is the passage about?
• When does this take place?
• Where does it take place?
• Why does the author write what he does?
• What problems were the recipients facing?
• How does this passage fit in with the context? (what goes before and after)
Additional questions to ask
• What are the commands?
• What are the promises?
• What do I learn about YHWH?
• What do I Learn about Jesus?
• What do I learn about the Set-Apart Spirit?
• What do I learn about myself or mankind?
3. Interpretation
• What are the meanings of the words?
• What does the immediate context suggest?
• What does the broader context suggest?
4. Correlation
• How does this meaning fit with the rest of the Scripture?
5. Application
• How does the meaning apply to my life today and the body of Yehoshua?
• How do I respond?
• How should I obey?
6. Share
• How can I share this truth with someone else today?
• How can I spread this truth?
Congregation of Believers 